Historic District Commission
Minutes
Land Use Meeting Room
January 20, 2009
Members present: ~ Chair Ken Fowler, KF; Elaine Steinert, ES; Kate McNulty-Vaughn, KM-V
Absent with notification: Jason Berger, JB;
Absent without notification: Jim Harwood
Staff present: Mary Albertson, MA; Peggy Ammendola, PA
Barbara Kolodkin, Evergreen Buyer Brokers of the Berkshires, 24 Franklin St. Map 43 Parcel 187, signs. Representing Ms. Kolodkin was Deane Christopolis. This firm was located in the Historic District at 17 Housatonic St. before moving to this new location. For 15 years they have had two identical signs which were approved by the HDC as to placement and size. They wish to place these two signs at the new location; one would hang just under the porch and the other would be on the side of the building. Both signs measure 8” by 27”. The sign that will be placed on the side of the building will (at the top edge) not be any higher than six feet.
KM-V made a motion to accept both signs as presented, both in size and in placement. ES seconded the motion. The Commission voted to approve 3-0.
Minutes:
· Feb. 19, 2008 KM-V made a motion to approve the minutes of Feb. 19, 2009 as written with the addition of “LHS” in the next to the last paragraph.
· Oct. 7, 2009 Tabled as there was not a quorum.
· Nov. 18, 2009 Tabled as there was not a quorum.
Other business:
1. The HDC received copies of two letters that were sent to Anthony and Caterina Gallo by the Building Inspector regarding two complaints at their two properties located at 15 Franklin St. and 17 Franklin St. One addressed construction at 15 Franklin St. without a permit and the erection of a sign at 17 Franklin without a permit.
2. At a previous meeting it was noted that in the members’ copies of the Guidelines there were two pages that were not in proper sequence. At tonight’s meeting the corrections were made.
3. An application for demolition of a structure at 100 Church Street has been received by the HDC and is scheduled for the February 3, 2009 meeting. The members of the HDC agreed to have a Site Visit on Friday, January 23, 2009 at 4:15 pm with Building Inspector Bill Thornton.
4. KF told the Commissioners that on occasion the Building Inspector would contact him to ask about emergency repairs. He wanted the Commissioners to weigh in on this process. Discussion ensued and it was agreed that the Chair of the HDC could sign off only if the repair is minor and is in kind, but that there should be an appropriate document and process. MA and KF will work on creation of a form. KM-V made a motion to authorize the Chairman of the HDC to engage in discussion with the Building Inspector on what are “Appendix 1.B” situations and the Chair may act on behalf of the Commission to allow a building permit to
go forward. This would be for a three month trial period. ES seconded the motion. The Commission voted to agree 3-0.
5. Sign Bylaw: It was suggested that there be an outreach to the Chamber of Commerce and business/property owners for feedback regarding signs in the District.
6. Violation: KF advised the Commissioners that the Village Inn has three signs but were only given permission for two. PA will notify the Building Inspector of the violation and provide to him a copy of the Certificate of Appropriateness which granted permission for two signs.
KF made a motion to adjourn at 7:20 pm and KM-V seconded the motion. The Commission voted to agree 3-0.
Respectfully submitted,
Peggy Ammendola
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